Frédérick Gaudreau Bio
Frédérick Gaudreau is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a centre for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 1, 1993, in Bromont, Quebec, Gaudreau has built a notable career since beginning professionally in 2014, contributing significantly to multiple NHL teams including the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota Wild.
Early Life and Background
Frédérick Gaudreau was born in Bromont, Quebec, as the youngest child of Jean-Pierre Gaudreau and France Desrosiers. Growing up in Quebec, he developed a passion for hockey early on and played in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament representing a minor ice hockey team from Missisquoi, Quebec. During his midget hockey years with the Magog Cantonniers, Gaudreau suffered a severe wrist injury that temporarily affected his visibility to junior scouts.
Despite this setback, a rule change allowing 17-year-olds to continue playing midget hockey enabled Gaudreau to be selected as a walk-on by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2011. Alongside his hockey commitments, he attended Cégep de Shawinigan, managing a two-hour commute from Drummondville to complete his education.
Path to Hockey
Gaudreau’s junior career began with the Shawinigan Cataractes, where he played 64 games in his rookie season and was part of the team that won the 2012 Memorial Cup. He was later named the 57th captain in the franchise’s history, though his captaincy was brief due to a trade to the Drummondville Voltigeurs. His single season with the Voltigeurs was marked by success, earning him the Frank J. Selke Memorial Trophy as the QMJHL’s most sportsmanlike player and attracting interest from multiple professional teams.
Undrafted, Gaudreau signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2014. His strong performance in the AHL led to a two-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators in 2016, marking his entry into the NHL.
Frédérick Gaudreau Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Gaudreau began his professional career with the Milwaukee Admirals, contributing 11 points in 43 games during the 2014–15 season and briefly playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL. His continued development earned him a contract extension with the Admirals in 2015. The 2015–16 season saw Gaudreau establish himself as a key scorer for Milwaukee, finishing third on the team with 15 goals and 42 points in 75 games.
His progress culminated in signing with the Nashville Predators in January 2016. After attending the Predators’ training camp, he was initially reassigned to the Admirals but made his NHL debut on October 22, 2016, in a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Nashville Predators Breakthrough (2016–2022)
Gaudreau’s time with the Predators included significant playoff contributions. Notably, during the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he scored the game-winning goals in Games 3 and 4, becoming the first player since 1944 to score his first three NHL goals in the Stanley Cup Finals. His playoff performances solidified his reputation as a clutch player capable of impacting high-stakes games.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2020–2021)
After six seasons with Nashville, Gaudreau signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in October 2020. Starting the pandemic-delayed season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL, he was soon recalled and impressed with career-high assists and points in limited NHL games. He remained a key contributor during the playoffs, leading the club in plus-minus and recording multiple points in six games.
Minnesota Wild Tenure (2021–2025)
Gaudreau joined the Minnesota Wild on a two-year contract in July 2021. His tenure included a career-high 19 goals during the 2022–23 season. However, injuries impacted his 2023–24 season, including rib cage injuries from an open-ice hit, and he finished with a team-worst plus-minus rating as the Wild missed the playoffs. In 2023, he secured a five-year contract extension worth $10.5 million.
Seattle Kraken Era (2025–Present)
Following the 2024–25 season, Gaudreau was traded to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. This move marks a new chapter in his career as he brings veteran experience and versatility to the Kraken roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Frédérick Gaudreau is known for his versatility as a centre, combining solid defensive play with timely offensive contributions. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in playoff situations, highlights his strategic understanding and resilience on the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gaudreau’s standout moments include his historic goal-scoring performance in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals and his steady rise from undrafted status to a reliable NHL player. His leadership qualities were recognized early in his junior career as a team captain, and his professional journey reflects consistent growth and adaptability.
Frédérick Gaudreau Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Gaudreau has contributed important goals and assists across multiple teams. While not primarily known for high scoring totals, his clutch performances and playoff impact have been key highlights.
Notable Highlights
Gaudreau’s first NHL goals came during the Stanley Cup Finals, an unusual and impressive feat. His career-high 19 goals in the 2022–23 season with the Minnesota Wild represent his peak offensive output to date. He has also been a valuable depth player, providing energy and reliability in various roles.
Other Performances
In addition to his NHL contributions, Gaudreau’s early career in the AHL and ECHL showcased his scoring ability and work ethic, which paved the way for his NHL opportunities.
Frédérick Gaudreau Family
Family Background and Lineage
Frédérick Gaudreau is the son of Jean-Pierre Gaudreau and France Desrosiers. Details about any extended family involvement in hockey are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Gaudreau maintains a private personal life with no publicly confirmed information regarding a spouse or children. He is known to engage with fans through social media platforms.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Gaudreau begins his tenure with the Seattle Kraken following a trade from the Minnesota Wild. His experience and playoff pedigree are expected to bolster the Kraken’s centre depth. The season outlook includes opportunities for Gaudreau to establish himself as a key contributor and mentor within the Kraken organization as they pursue competitive success.